SB 1311 Summary

• Establishes permit processing deadlines requiring the department to approve or deny permit applications by specified deadlines, with mandatory extensions available up to 120 days and potential payment of 15% of application/permit fees if deadlines are missed.

• Requires written permit denials to document specific statutory provisions, sufficient factual basis, and reliable scientific principles and methods applied to the facts, with automatic approval of certain permits if processing deadlines are not met.

• Expands exemptions from permit requirements for agricultural drain maintenance and wetland activities including farming, harvesting, and grazing on established operations, with specific conditions and acreage limitations.

• Modifies permit fee structures for various water-related projects occurring between now and October 1, 2015, including reduced fees for general permits and minor projects while maintaining higher fees for major projects.

• Repeals sections 30325 and 30329 of the 1994 Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act and establishes reporting requirements to the legislature on permit processing performance and failures to meet regulatory deadlines.